Buffing wheel



Nov. 30, 1948. M. SEELENFREUND 9 BUFFING WHEEL Filed May 25, 1948 2v sham-sheet 1.

.30, 1948. L. M. SEELENFREUND 2355,09

BUFFING WHEEL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Filed ma 25. 1948 Patented Nov.- 30, 1948 2,455,098 Bum-mo WHEEL Louis M. Seelenfrennd, Chicago, 11]., asdgnor to Action Buffs, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois v Application May 25, 1948, Serial No. 29,040

. l i The present invention relates generally to hufflng wheels. More particularly the inventionre- 2' Claims. (01. 51-193) lates to that type of bufling wheel which is adapted to be mounted on a power driven shaft by way of a hollow hub structure, serves during drive of the shaft and while a metallic or other surface is placed against its outer periphery to effect polishing r bufling of the surface, and

comprises a rectilinear series of side by side bufflng sections, each of which consists of a plurality of annular, juxtapositioned fabric layers with gathered or pleated inner margins for ventilating purposes, and a metallic ring shaped core for holding the layers together and supporting them with respect to the hollow hub structure.

As evidenced by United States patent application Serial No. 772,800, filed by me on September 8, 1947, it has heretofore been proposed in connection with the fabrication of bufling wheels of the aforementioned type to employ as the core of each bufling section a pair of complemental, preformed, oppositely positioned, rigid rings, each of which is in the form of a one-piece metallic stamping and embodies a cylindrical base flange, an annular outer side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange, and a circular series of spaced apart, inwardly extending, layer-gripping teeth on the outer margin of the side flange. It has also been proposed to form the base flange of one of the two core-forming rings of each buffing section of slightly less diameter than the base flange of the other ring and to connect together the two rings by pressing them together so that the base flanges are in telescopic relation and grip one another frictionally. In practice it has been found that a bufling wheel as'heretofore proposed is subject to the objection that the base flanges of the core-form ing rings of the bufling sections cannot be made so as to grip one another frictionally with sufficient force to prevent the rings from spreading or sliding axially apart in response to the outward pressure that is exerted by the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers due to compression.

One object of the invention is to provide a bufiing wheel which is an improvement upon, and eliminates the objectiomto, previously designed buffing wheels of the two-piece core variety and is characterized by the fact that the complemental, oppositely positioned core-forming rings of the buffing sections are positively held against separation by wayof annular lips which are connected to, and bent outwards from, the free margins of the small diameter cylindrical base flanges and are arranged in lapped relationwitl mean- 2 nular side flanges of the rings having the large diameter base flanges.

Another object of the invention is to provide a buffing wheel of the type and character last mentioned in which the annular outwardly bent lips on the free margins of the small diameter .base flanges serve, in addition to preventing separation of the core-forming rings, to space the buffing sections apart and have formed therein cut outs or notches whereby air that flows into the hollow hub structure on which the bufiing sections are mounted is permitted to flow outwards past the fabric layers and effect cooling thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a builing wheel which is generally of new and improved construction; effectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpose and, in addition, pos sesses longer life and is capable of being produced at a comparatively low cost. v I

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristicsvof the present bufling wheel will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this speciflcationor disclosure and in which like numeralsof reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views;

7 Figure 1 is an axial section showing a buffing wheel embodying the invention operatively connected to a power. driven shaft by way of a conventional hollow hub structure; v

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of one of the bufilng sections of the wheel;

Figure 3 is a plan view showing in separated or dismantled relation a pair of complemental, preformed, rigid rings constituting the core for one of the bumng sections;

Figure 4 is a section showing the core forming rings of Figure 3 before being shifted together into assembled relation with the fabric layers;

Figure 5 is a section showing the core forming rings of Figures 3 and 4 after they have been flng sections serve to space the sections apart and also permit cooling air to flow outwards from the hollow hub structure past the fabric layers. The buffing wheel which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention and is adapted to be mounted on, and rotated at a comparatively high rate of speed by, a power driven shaft 1. As well understood inthe art, the wheel is adapted during drivethereof and when a metallic or other surface is placed against its periphery to polish or bufl the surface. A hub structure 8 serves as a medium for operatively or drivably connecting the bufllng wheel to the shaft. The wheel surrounds the hub structure and consists of a rectilinear series of side by side buffing sections 9. As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings the hub structure embodies a pair of spaced apart discs III and H and a plurality of bolts l2. The disc I is centrally apertured and surrounds the shaft 1. It is disposed inwards of the outer end of the shaft and abuts against an annular shoulder l3. The other disc, 1. e., the disc II, is centrally apertured and surrounds the outer end of the shaft I. Said outer end of the shaft is provided with a screw thread l4 and has thereon a nut l5 which, when tightened, clamps the hub structure 8 as a whole to the shaft. The bolts l2 of the hub structure are preferably three in number and comprise shanks I6 having heads H at certain ends thereof and nuts l8 at their other ends. They are arrangedin parallel relation with the shafts I and extend through aligned holes I8 in the outer marginal portions of the discs l0 and I. The heads I! of the bolts abut against the outersurface of the disc l0 and the nuts l8 abut against the outer surface of the disc When the nuts l8 are at right angles from the cylindrical base flanges 25 and when the cores are in their assembled position engage or abut against the inner marginal portions of certain of the outer-most fabric layers 2|. The teeth 21 of each of the rings 23 are arranged in a circular series and are spaced equidistantly apart. As shown in the drawings, the teeth 21 of the rings 23 are joined to the outer marginal portions of the outer side flanges 26. They extend at right angles to the side flanges and extend in the same direction as the cylindricalbase flanges 25. When the cores are in assembled relation with the fabric layers 2|, the teeth 2'! are embedded in the inner marginal portions of certain of the fabric layers, as best shown in Figure 6. Each of the rings 24 of the cores consists of a cylindrical base flange 28, an annular outer side flange 29, teeth 30 and an annular lip 3|. The cylindrical base flanges 23 of the rings. 24 are slightly wider than'the base flanges 25 of the rings 23 and have the external diameter thereof the same as the internal diameter of the cylindrical base flanges-25. They fit within, and are in telescopic relation with, the cylindrical base flanges 25 and grip the latter frictionally when the cores are in their assembled position. The inner and outer peripheries of the base flanges 28 are smooth. The cylindrical base flanges 28 are of such internal diameter that when the bufling sections 9 aremounted on the hub structure 8 they engage the shanks IQ of the 4 bolts |2. The annular outer side flanges 29 of tightened the discs I and H are drawn towards one another into clamped relation with the buffing sections 9. Preferably the bolts |2 are spaced equidistantly apart. As shown in Figure 1, the

discs Ill and H have apertures 2U therein in order to permit air to enter the interior of the hub structure 8.

The buiflng sections 9 when in operative relation with the hub structure surround the shanks l6 of the bolts l2 and are clamped between the outer marginal portions of the discs l0 and N asheretoforeindicated. Each of the bufllng sections 9 consists of a plurality of annular juxtapositioned fabric layers 2| and a core. The inner margins of the fabric layers are pleated or gathered and are connected together by stitching 22. Preferably the layers 2| of each buffing section are formed by gathering or pleating one side marginal portion of a fabric strip and then winding or wrapping the strip in a spiral fashion. The gathering or pleating of the inner marginal portions of the fabric layers 2| forms radially extending air passages which in connection with drive or operation of the wheel provide for ventilation or air circulation for cooling purposes. The cores of the sections serve to hold the fabric layers 2| together and support them with respect to the hub structure 8. They fit within and serve to clamp together the inner marginal portionsof the fabric layers. The core of each buflthe rings 24 project outwards at right angles from the cylindrical base flanges 28 and are disposed in opposed relation with the annular outer side flanges 26. They are in'rigid relation with the cylindrical base flanges 28 and lap or abut against the inner marginal portions of the adjacent fabric layers 2|. The teeth 30 of each of the rings 24 are arranged in a circular series and are spaced equidistantly apart. They extend at right angles to'the annular outer side flanges 29 and project in the same direction as the cylindrical base flanges 28. As shown in the drawings, the teeth 30 are arranged in alternate or interfitting relation with the teeth 21 and when the cores are in their assembled position, extend through or penetrate the inner marginal portions of certain of the fabric layers 2|. The teeth 30 and 21 are of such length that the inner marginal portions of all of the fabric strips 2| are gripped or penetrated. The annular lips 3| are connected to the free margins of, and project outwards at right angles from, the cylindrical base flanges 28 of the rings 24 and are arranged in lapped relation with the inner marginal portions of theannular outer side flanges 26 of the rings 23. They have a twofold purpose in that they serve positively to prevent spreading or separation of the rings 23 and 24 when the cores are fully assembled and also function to space the side flanges 26 of the rings 23 from the side flanges 29 of the rings 24. As shown in Figure l, the bufling sections 3 are similarly positioned or arranged to the end that there is but one lip 3| between two adjoining bufling sections. Before assembling the rings 23 and 24 constituting the cores of the bufllng sections the lips 3|, instead of extending outwards, extend in coaxial relation with the base flanges 28, as shown in Figure 4. In connection with assembly of the buffing sections 9 the fabric layers 2| and the core form ing rings 23 and 24 are positioned as shown in Figure 4. Thereafter the ringsare shifted together by way of a punch press or other suitable I annular series of notches 32.

means in order to bring them into clamped or gripping relation with the inner marginal portions of the fabric layers 2i. In connecifibn with shifting together of the rings 23 and 2d the cylindrical base flanges 28 of the rings 2E slide into telescopic and gripping relation with the base flanges 25 of the rings 23. In addition, the teeth ill and 2i are brought into penetrating relation After shifting together of the rings 23 and 2! into the position shown in Figure 5 the lips ii are bent outwards into lapped relation with the inner marginal portions of the side flanges 2B of the rings 23 in order positively to lock'the rings against separation. Outward bending of the lips 3| is accomplished or efiected by means of any well known metal bending or rolling machine. As shown in the drawings the width of the lips is approximately one-third that of the annular side flanges of the core forming rings. After the lips are bent into lapped relation with the side flanges 25 they serve positively or permanentlyto lock the rings against separation in response to the outward pressure that is exerted by the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers 2! due to compression. I

In order to permit air to flow from the interior of the hollow hub structure 8 outwards past and between the fabric layers 2! for purposes of cooling the layers in connection with use of the buffing wheel each of the lips Si is provided with an The latter are spaced equidistantly apart, as shown in Figure 2, and extend throughout the full width of each lip. The notches 32 facilitate outward bending of the, lips in addition to providing for the outflow of cooling air past the fabric layers 21; In connection with use of the bufling wheel air is drawn into the interior of the hollow hub structure 8 via the apertures-20 and then in response to the ace tion of centrifugal force flows outwards through the notches 32 and then between the fabric 1ayv with the. inner portions of the fabric layers 2i.

prising a' plurality of annular juxtapositioned separation and so space apart the bui'ling sections that the notches l2 permit a sufllcient outflow of air between and past the fabric layers 2| to eifect efficient cooling oi the wheel as a whole;

The invention is not to be understood as re- I stricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within-the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope-of the invention. 1

-Ha ving thus described the invention. what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is;

1. As a new articleof manufacture, a section I adapted in conjunction with like sections and a hub structure to form a bufllng wheel and comfabric layers and a core extending'around and serving to secure together theinner marginal portions of the layers and embodying a preformed rigid one-piece ring consisting of a cylindrical base flange, an annular outer side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange and arranged in lapped relation with the inner marginal portion of one of the outer-mostffabric' layers, and a circular series of spaced apart teeth connected to the outer margin of the outer side flange, projecting in the same direction as the base flange and embedded in the inner marginal portions of certain of the fabric layers, and a complemental pre-formed rigid one-piece ring positioned reversely with respect to the first mentioned ring and consisting of a cylindrical base flange fitting within the base flange of said first mentioned ring, an outer annular side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange of the complemental ring and arranged in lapped relation with the inner marginal portion of the other ers of the bufling sections 9.- As the result of K outflow of air between and past the fabric layers 2| coolingof the layers takes place with the result that the wheel as a whole does not overheat.

When it is desired to assemble the bufling wheel on the hub structure 8 the disc ii is removed from the outer end of the shaft 1 after removal of the nut 15 and the nuts i8. After removal of the disc Ii the buffing sections 9, while arranged in rectilinear series and side by side relationship, are slid onto the shanks l6 of the bolts l2. After sliding of the bufiing sections 9 into place the disc ii is mounted on the outer end of the shaft and is secured in place by application and tightening of the nut i5 and the nuts I8. When such nuts are tightened the outer marginal portions of the discs i0 and ii are in clamped relation with the cores of the bufling sections and serve to hold the sections in place. The shanks of the bolts l2 serve to hold the buiiing sections 9 against radial displacement with respect to the shaft. After assembly of the bufling wheel as hereinbefore indicated, the hub structure 8 serves to connect the buiiing sections 9 for drive by the shaft 1.

The herein described bufiing wheel is essentially simple in design or construction and may be manufactured or fabricated at a comparatively low cost. It may be built up to any desired length by adding additional buiiing sections and is characterized by the fact that the rigid, outwardly extending annular lips 31 on the free 1; asterisks M embedded in the inner marginal portions Of ceroutermost fabric layer, a circular series of spaced apart teeth connected to the outer margin of the last mentioned side flange, projecting in the same direction as the first mentioned teeth, and

tain of the fabric layers, and a lip connected to, and extending outwards from, the free margin of'the base flange of said complemental ring, arranged in lapped relation with the outer side flange of said first mentioned ring, and serving to hold the two rings against separation.

2. Asa new article of manufacture, a section adapted in coniunction with-like sections and a hub structure to form a bufling wheel and comprising a plurality of annular juxtapositioned fabric layers and acore extending around and serving to secure together the inner marginal portions of the layers and embodying a preformed rigid one-piece ring consisting of a cylindrical base flange, an annular outer side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange and arranged in lapped relation with the inner marginal portion of one of the outermost fabric layers, and a circular series of spaced apart teeth connected to the outer margin of the I flange of said first mentioned ring, an outer an-.

nular side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange of the complemental ring and arranged in lapped relation with the inner marginal portion of the other cutermcst fabric layer. a circular series of spaced apart teeth connected to the outer margin of the last i mentioned side flange, projecting in the same direction as the first mentioned teeth and embedded in the inner marginal portions of certain of the fabric layers, and an annular lip connected to, and extending outwards from, theireo margin REFERENCES arm!) The following references are or record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name V Date Thayer June 27, 1882 Myers et a1. Aug. 15, 1933 Goodman Jan. 11, 1938 Peterson et a1 Dec. 24,1940 

